Our Brisbane Branch coordinator, Leigh, thinks this would have to be the single, most asked question by a great number of our 224 Brisbane branch volunteers! Has anyone seen Margaret?
Margaret is an articulate, chatty, happy, intelligent, much loved woman with an extraordinary memory. Margaret has been a friend of Rosies on and off since 2012.
She remembers any date and name you have ever cared to share with her. Birthdays, anniversaries and not just yours…your family’s too!
Margaret will tell you funny stories, like the time she gave the Stafford policeman a run for his money when he asked her if she knew where she lived and she replied ‘yes I do’!
In my time as Branch coordinator I have been asked if anyone has seen this much loved friend of ours many times. The question appears on the whiteboard, via emails, or when we’re out on outreach.
It didn’t take long for the Rosies extended network of past and present volunteers to find out recently that our beloved Margaret was on her way from a stay in hospital to a transitional home. As Scott [pictured] pointed out, Margaret is probably in the best place possible for her circumstances, but she felt she had lost all control, including her connection with Rosies. Luckily we have reconnected with her again through a home visit.Margaret is just one of many friends who touch our hearts on our Brisbane outreaches.
Some make us laugh, some make us worry, and some even make us frustrated
at times! All, like Margaret, have become our friends.
Whether they are on the street or in a temporary home, the time I see our Rosies volunteers spend with our friends, is invaluable. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of Rosies. And a special thank you to Margaret for keeping us on our toes and making us smile!

Lisa and Louise have been volunteering with Rosies’ outreach to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre for over a decade. Here Lisa and Louise give us an inside of their experience.

“The outreach starts with the usual formalities. We first sign in. IDs are checked. We then go through the metal detector before passing the security gates. We are in. We find out who we will visit (that day) according to the recent events, behaviours, and moods.
Most detainees come from dysfunctional families and do not receive any visit, but ours.

There are a number of sections to the centre. Each has about  5 to 12 young detainees. We join the three staff members who are also present in the room. We have never felt unsafe while taking part to this outreach.
Many of these young people are surprised we come to visit them. They make us feel humble, as seeing a friendly face from Rosies can have a big impact on them. Especially when they are told we are volunteers. The simple fact of being there regularly makes a difference.

We often do not realise how much of a positive impact such small things can mean. Just remembering their name, bringing a new card game, a smile, or the simple fact of being here for them makes a difference.”

It is only thanks to our wonderful volunteers, like Lisa and Louise, that Rosies can continue outreaches such as this. You make a difference by getting involved.

30 August 2015
The Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run will take place on Sunday August 30. Whether you run by yourself or as part of a team we would like you to nominate Rosies as your charity of choice. All fundraising is done online. You can set up up your own fundraising page. Each registrant must have their own official everydayhero Bridge to Brisbane fundraising page. You can still be part of a team but you just need to be an individual first.

Click here to fundraise for Rosies.